E46 M3 Servicing in Scotland

[D3APC]

Has anyone had their car serviced at either John Clark BMW in Aberdeen or Calterdon BMW in Inverness? These are my 2 closest dealerships and its service time for my M3. This is the 1st service i've had to put it through and would like any advice or comments on these 2.

Cheers,

Alex

[scz4]

Wouldn't waste you time with a BMW dealership unlessy you have an extended warranty from BMW.

A BMW independant will take far better care of the care, plus quite a bit cheaper. Either look up AW Autotech in Aberdeen or JD Motor Engineers in Insch. The only two places I'd let look after my M3, these guys really know there stuff.

[Crusoe]

Not had any problems with John Clark Dundee which isn't too far away if you were wanting the dealer stamp and didn't fancy the Aberdeen branch.

[D3APC]

Would rather put the car to an indy as well but want to keep the service history the best i can, i know you probably get a better service at the indy at a better price. Ive not heard of these guys in Insch before? (i live in Buckie) Its more or less the stamp i'll be paying for!!

[greatscot]

D3APC said:

Has anyone had their car serviced at either John Clark BMW in Aberdeen or Calterdon BMW in Inverness? These are my 2 closest dealerships and its service time for my M3. This is the 1st service I've had to put it through and would like any advice or comments on these 2.

Cheers,

Alex

Yes and Yes.
I've had my E46 M3 serviced at both John Clark Aberdeen and Calterdon in Inverness. Both were fine.
I've had 2 Oil services at John Clark and as I was going to be in Inverness (for a court appearance due to previously mentioned E46 M3) when the service II was due I opted for Calterdon. The reason I chose Calterdon was partially due to the snooty, better than you attitude in John Clark Aberdeen. I can't stand that.
Also John Clark's prices are high! There is a noticeable difference compared to other BMW dealers. They get away with murder in Aberdeen. Try phoning the dealers in the central belt for a comparison. John Clark get away with it because of where they are.

If you are looking for specialists in the Aberdeen area, I have heard a lot of good things about AWAutotech near Pittodrie.

See this thread;
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

I think one of the guys is an ex BMW mechanic and went to start out on his own.
I believe it's a regular haunt of all the local BMW, Porcshe and TVR owners.

My car is going in next week to get a wee bit of work done. (One of the speed sensors on the wheels has packed up) So it shouldn't be too serious....
Judging by the car park, the guys are well trusted in Aberdeen. It was stacked full of porsches, BMWs and TVRS.

and their homepage;
http://www.awautotech.co.uk/
I would personally avoid Bavaria Auto Works like the plague.....

My car is approaching the age where it aint worth paying £850 for a service II to get a stamp. It still has a FBMWSH.

But at seven years old would a history from a reputable BMW specialist hurt when I go to sell?
Thoughts, opinions?

[D3APC]

Cheers for that, I've had the misfortune of using an Aberdeen main dealer before and i got the same snooty attitude that you mentioned. I dont live in Aberdeen so had to wait for them to service my car, booked it in well in advance, put car in at half past 8, got it back at quarter to 5 at night.... I was just a tad annoyed!! I'll give them both a phone and see who's giving the best deal.

On another note, i just had Bavaria replace throttle sensor No 2, they did a nae bad job. Although it was a bit of a rush to get it fixed and didn't research them. Was just happy to have her running well again!